How To Protect Colored Hair From The Sun

(Source: ThinkStock, Art by Tanya Leigh Washington)With the summer sun finally upon us, it's time to reach for those floppy hats, sunny shades, and a strong SPF. But protecting your skin isn't the only thing you need to consider when hitting the beach or park. Your hair is just as susceptible to sun damage as skin. In fact, UVA/UVB rays are a huge factor in fading color-treated hair. To help your color last throughout the summer sun, celebrity colorist Rita Hazan shared three simple tips to keep your tresses and color shining.

1) Don't forget SPF: You put sunscreen on your skin, but don't neglect your strands. Hazan recommends using hair products that contain SPF or sun protection. Apply your protector to your hair a few times throughout the day, especially if going for a dip in the pool. Don't have an actual sun protector for your hair? No worries, Hazan says you can put the same SPF for your skin into a water bottle either with water or without (depending on the consistency) and spritz on to your hair. Just remember to wash thoroughly after!

2) Condition, condition: "A conditioning treatment should be used year-round, even when the weather is warmer," says Hazan. She suggests using a treatment once or twice a week to help keep moisture in. Moisture is essential for getting a good shiny mane, which makes your color stand out even more.

3) Gloss away: Hazan stresses the importance of glossing in keeping hair healthy and color looking good during the summer months. "Just as you would put a moisturizer on your skin every night, focus on having a good gloss as part of your daily routine for your hair," says Hazan. In fact, the colorist has her own gloss, RITA HAZAN Ultimate Shine Gloss ($26), to help fight fading and dullness.